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Hilltop Terrace celebrates renovations

Hilltop Terrace Apartments resident Nathan Caple stands in his home Friday during a tour for local officials and dignitaries after a dedication ceremony for the recently renovated apartment complex. Before the chance to rent the apartment, Caple had been homeless.

Donnie Roberts/The Dispatch

BY REBEKAH CANSLER MCGEEThe Dispatch

Published: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 4:32 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 11, 2013 at 4:54 p.m.

For Community Housing Partners employees, it’s not so much about the project but the moment when a house becomes a home.

Community Housing Partners held a dedication ceremony Friday, celebrating the completion of the rehabilitation project at Hilltop Terrace Apartments on North Carolina Avenue.

“I think this ceremony is important to kick off the celebrating of a home. When it’s no longer ‘housing’ but a home, it’s important to mark that passing,” said Janaka Casper, president and CEO of Community Housing Partners.

Casper thanked project partners such as BB&T, City of Lexington, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, The National Park Service and Enterprise Community Investment.

Stephen Smith, vice president for Enterprise Community Investment and equity partner in the project, said he loved his job because he was able to make a difference.

“Days like today are the best days of my job because I get to see a finished product and see why we do what we do,” Smith said.

About 40 people attended the dedication ceremony, many of whom were residents of Hilltop Terrace Apartments.

Sybil Hamilton, a resident, spoke praising words to all involved with the renovation.

“We are certainly blessed to have been a part of this,” Hamilton said.

Not only was Hilltop Terrance renovated, but Community Housing Partners renovated with the historical aspects of the building in mind. Before becoming an apartment complex, the building was the home of Lexington Memorial Hospital.

Hilltop Terrace Apartments is a multifamily community comprised of 63 apartment units rented to low-income households. The 43,500-square-foot, four-story building was originally built in 1947. After the hospital moved to a new location in 1979, the building was retrofitted for apartments.

Hilltop Terrace was purchased by Community Housing Partners in 2008 and renovated in 2012 pursuant to the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for historic rehabilitation. Renovation work included interior and exterior upgrades such as all-new kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring, windows, and heating and cooling systems that have improved the functionality, efficiency and aesthetic of the property, according to a press release.

“I am very grateful for our new washers and dryers that we desperately needed,” Hamilton said.

Mayor Newell Clark was thrilled with the extent to which Community Housing Partners went to maintain the historical aspect of the building.

“The building is art deco or art modern, and there were not many buildings being built in Lexington during that time, so I’m glad they wanted to preserve the unique structure,” Clark said, adding that this renovation is a wonderful addition to the community.

Rebekah Cansler McGee can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 228, or at rebekah.mcgee@the-dispatch.com.

<p>For Community Housing Partners employees, it's not so much about the project but the moment when a house becomes a home.</p><p>Community Housing Partners held a dedication ceremony Friday, celebrating the completion of the rehabilitation project at Hilltop Terrace Apartments on North Carolina Avenue.</p><p>“I think this ceremony is important to kick off the celebrating of a home. When it's no longer 'housing' but a home, it's important to mark that passing,” said Janaka Casper, president and CEO of Community Housing Partners.</p><p>Casper thanked project partners such as BB&T, City of Lexington, Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, The National Park Service and Enterprise Community Investment.</p><p>Stephen Smith, vice president for Enterprise Community Investment and equity partner in the project, said he loved his job because he was able to make a difference.</p><p>“Days like today are the best days of my job because I get to see a finished product and see why we do what we do,” Smith said.</p><p>About 40 people attended the dedication ceremony, many of whom were residents of Hilltop Terrace Apartments.</p><p>Sybil Hamilton, a resident, spoke praising words to all involved with the renovation.</p><p>“We are certainly blessed to have been a part of this,” Hamilton said.</p><p>Not only was Hilltop Terrance renovated, but Community Housing Partners renovated with the historical aspects of the building in mind. Before becoming an apartment complex, the building was the home of Lexington Memorial Hospital.</p><p>Hilltop Terrace Apartments is a multifamily community comprised of 63 apartment units rented to low-income households. The 43,500-square-foot, four-story building was originally built in 1947. After the hospital moved to a new location in 1979, the building was retrofitted for apartments.</p><p>Hilltop Terrace was purchased by Community Housing Partners in 2008 and renovated in 2012 pursuant to the Secretary of the Interior's standards for historic rehabilitation. Renovation work included interior and exterior upgrades such as all-new kitchen cabinets, appliances, flooring, windows, and heating and cooling systems that have improved the functionality, efficiency and aesthetic of the property, according to a press release.</p><p>“I am very grateful for our new washers and dryers that we desperately needed,” Hamilton said. </p><p>Mayor Newell Clark was thrilled with the extent to which Community Housing Partners went to maintain the historical aspect of the building. </p><p>“The building is art deco or art modern, and there were not many buildings being built in Lexington during that time, so I'm glad they wanted to preserve the unique structure,” Clark said, adding that this renovation is a wonderful addition to the community. </p><p>Rebekah Cansler McGee can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 228, or at rebekah.mcgee@the-dispatch.com.</p>